Abstract: An enclosure for an energy storage device is presently disclosed. The enclosure includes a cell housing having a base portion and at least one side portion seamlessly extending from the base portion to define a volume and having a peripheral edge defining an aperture distal from the base portion through which an electrochemical cell may be disposed within the volume, and a cover securable to the peripheral edge of the housing, where the housing and cover are configured to house at least one electrochemical cell at an operating temperature greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. The enclosure may also include an environmental housing configured to nestingly receive the cell housing, and an insulating element disposed between the environmental housing and the cell housing. Also disclosed is a method of packaging the energy storage device utilizing the enclosure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) ac-module grounding system includes a plurality of PV dc-voltage modules. Each PV dc-voltage module is integrated with a corresponding dc-ac micro-inverter to provide a corresponding PV ac-voltage module. Each PV ac-voltage module includes an ac-voltage plug and play connector that includes a dc ground conductor. Each dc-ac micro-inverter is internally electrically connected to its own chassis ground or metal enclosure which in turn is electrically connected to a corresponding dc ground conductor. A dc ground path is carried through an ac power bus from ac-voltage module to ac-voltage module through the plug and play connectors via the dc ground conductors.

Abstract: A deployable solar panel system includes a plurality of solar cell panels that are mechanically and electrically coupled to each other prior to shipment to an installation site, folded in a stacking arrangement within a packaging container for shipment to the installation site, and then unfolded to deploy the solar cell panels at a desired tilt angle during installation at the installation site. In one embodiment, the solar cell panels are mechanically coupled to each other using a hinge assembly, such as a hinge bracket and hinge pin. Each solar cell panel system is electrically coupled to each other using a series string. The series string may be electrically coupled to a DC-DC converter and/or a DC-AC inverter.

Abstract: A photovoltaic framed module array apparatus for mounting a first framed photovoltaic (PV) module and a second framed PV module is provided. The photovoltaic framed module array apparatus comprises a first rail. The first rail includes an insert slot for accommodating an insert edge of the first framed PV module, and a capture slot for accommodating a capture edge of the second framed PV module. The capture slot is positioned substantively parallel to the insert slot.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided that includes a housing that is polygonal in cross-section having a plurality of peripherally spaced corners. The electrochemical cell also includes an ion-conducting separator disposed in the housing. The ion-conducting separator has an anode surface defining a portion of an anode compartment and a cathode surface defining a portion of a cathode compartment. The electrochemical cell also includes an anode current collector system comprising at least one biasing component. The biasing component has a span section, a bias section and an interface section. The bias section is in wicking contact with the anode surface of the separator. The number of biasing components in the anode current collector system differs from the number of the peripherally spaced corners. An energy storage device including a plurality of the electrochemical cells in thermal and/or in electrical communication with each other. A method for forming the biasing component is provided.

Abstract: A structural building component for a residential or light commercial building includes a PV laminate and a plastic frame disposed at least around the PV laminate. The plastic frame includes a first electrical connector for communication with the PV laminate and receptive to electrical connection with a contiguous PV laminate. The first electrical connector is configured to facilitate electrical and mechanical connection with the contiguous PV laminate and the frame includes a means for facilitating attachment to the building structure.

Abstract: A tin alloy bath with controlled iron content is used for coating a niobium-base substrate with tin in a manufacturing process for triniobium tin superconductor. One hundred twenty-five parts per million by weight or less of iron is used in tin alloy baths to increase the reaction kinetics of the formation of the superconductor material.